Writing in the Express, the 66-year-old star maintained she did not defend the behaviour of former footballer Ched Evans during the discussion whether he should be allowed to return to the pitch following his release from prison.

Laying out the details of her appearance on the ITV chat show before apologising “profusely” once again for any offence caused by her words, Judy indicated she had not said alcohol consumption was a “mitigating factor”.

She continued: “Did I say the rape itself was non-violent? Yes. The judge in the case said he took into account the fact there was "no force involved" and that "the complainant received no injuries".”

“But let me add that, to me, rape is rape. It is an appalling crime. I was simply reporting the legal facts of this case before commenting,” Judy added.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

Having recapped what she said in the studio, Judy concluded: “And that was the argument I contributed as part of a healthy debate on a live television programme.

"When the sentence has been served, we must consider a person's right to continue their professional life.

"As I have already said, I apologise profusely for any offence caused by my words.

"But this was an argument based on our justice system, not whether rape is anything less than an abhorrent act.”

Despite apologising, there have been calls on Twitter from viewers for the star to be sacked – and for the show to be boycotted.

While viewers blasted the incendiary remarks, ITV stood by Judy and insisted Loose Women is a forum for "frank discussion".

'...that was the argument I contributed as part of a healthy debate on a live television programme' (Image: ITV)

A spokesperson for the show said: "Loose Women is a daily talk show centred around topical debate and frank discussion. Opinions are expressed and exchanged from a mix of of viewpoints."

Having previously said she would never return to broadcasting, Judy commented last month : “I know I said I wouldn’t go back, but actually I’m looking forward to occasionally contributing to lively conversations between a group of outspoken and intelligent women.”

Footballer Evans, 25, was jailed in 2012 for five years - but he is expected to be released next week after serving under half of his sentence.

During his trial Evans admitted having sex with the woman but she told a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court she had no memory of the incident – and the prosecution said she was too drunk to consent to sexual intercourse.

"Judy Finnigan's comments are really unfortunate and could potentially cause some hurt and distress to the many survivors of sexual violence who will inevitably have been watching Loose Women and who will read and hear her views reported," said Rape Crisis spokesperson Katie Russell.

"Whether intentionally or not, her words do imply that rape that involves extreme physical violence is more traumatic than rape that does not.

"Rape is a violent act in itself, all rape causes bodily harm and all rape is a lot more than 'unpleasant' regardless of the circumstances in which it takes place.

"Rape is a terrifying experience that can and does have a wide ranging of long-term and even lifelong impacts for those who survive it."

Like this? Did you know we have a dedicated TV and Film page on Facebook?